Russell F. Scheller

Russell F. Scheller, 87, of DeLand, Fla., formerly of Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville, passed away March 31, 2013, after a five year battle with cancer.

He was born May 22, l925 in Bushkill, to the late Ora M. (Eshback) Scheller and Russell E. Scheller.

He was a businessman in Monroe County most of his life as a partner in The Scheller and Kitchen Chrysler Corporation Automobile Agency in Stroudsburg, later owning and operating Scheller Chevrolet Automobile Agency in Cresco. In the early 80s he moved to Florida and started a wholesale electronics supply business, Florida Operators and Controls, which he sold in 1995. He retired and divided his time between his Florida home on Lake Beresford in DeLand, Fla., and a small farm in the north Georgia mountains in Young Harris, Ga.

He graduated from East Stroudsburg High School in 1943 and served overseas in the Army during World War II in the China, Burma, India theatre assigned to the 748th Railway Operating Battalion. He was tapped for special services by Melvin Douglas to play the saxophone in the band performing many USO shows in India. After military service he studied music and performed with well known bands.

Russell was a life member of VFW 2540, BPOE Elks 319, and a 32nd Degree Mason belonging to J. Simpson Africa Lodge 628 and The Lehigh Consistory. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 874 and a former life member of the Local Musicians Union. He was past president of The Pocono Amateur Radio Club in the early 1960s holding extra class license W4ZIP, and was active in amateur radio until the time of his death. He was past president of the West End Fair Association, vice chairman of The Monroe County Planning and Zoning Commission for many years. He also served on the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Monroe County Park Commission. He served as a director and later Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Franklin First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Wilkes-Barre. He is a long time member of the Lake Beresford Yacht Club and two Amateur Radio Clubs. He and Anita enjoyed many cruises in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.

Russell was an intelligent, generous, and caring Christian gentleman, much loved and respected by his family, relatives, and many friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Anita M. Scheller, and three step children, R. Farley Palmer (Pam), Matthew A. Palmer (Sue), and Leslie Garvis (Andrew), all in Florida; and two nieces, Lynn Mary Burgoon (Bill) and Cynthia M. Zeman of Stroudsburg. His seven grandchildren are Nicole, Tyler, Kelly, Jenna, Alyson, Megan, and Matthew. He has many great nieces, nephews and a cousin. His son, Stephen P. Scheller and his sister, Evelyn (Scheller) Allen preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be held for family and friends in Florida and Pennsylvania. It is suggested that donations be made to your favorite charity in his honor. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the Elks Lodge, Washington Street, East Stroudsburg.